Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, have fallen to the 70th position in the latest FIFA World Rankings, a dip that highlights a challenging period for the once-mighty football nation. This latest update sees the Black Stars also ranked 14th in Africa, trailing behind continental giants like Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria.
The fall in rankings can be attributed to a series of underwhelming performances in international competitions and friendlies. The Black Stars’ performance in recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments has not lived up to the expectations of fans and football enthusiasts. Ghana’s early exit from the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and inconsistent results in World Cup qualifiers have all contributed to the nation’s drop in rankings.
Additionally, the Black Stars struggled to make a significant impact at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they exited in the group stages. Although there were moments of brilliance, such as their 3-2 win against South Korea, defeats to Portugal and Uruguay proved costly.
While Ghana faces a dip, other African nations have been steadily climbing the ranks. Morocco, after their historic World Cup run to the semifinals, now sit comfortably as the top-ranked team in Africa. Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, follow closely behind, and other teams like Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt continue to showcase consistent performances on the international stage.
Ghana’s drop to 14th in Africa also means that traditional footballing powers such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast now outrank them. This represents a shift in the balance of power within African football, as Ghana struggles to reclaim its once dominant position.
The drop in rankings is undoubtedly a wake-up call for the Ghana Football Association (GFA), coaching staff, and players. There is growing pressure to rebuild the team, focusing on young talents and tactical improvements. Ghana’s footballing infrastructure and domestic leagues have also faced criticism in recent years, and a comprehensive approach is required to regain their status on the global stage.
New talents like Mohammed Kudus and Kamaldeen Sulemana offer hope for the future, but consistency will be key if Ghana is to reclaim its place among the top African football nations. The focus now shifts to qualification for future tournaments, such as the 2026 World Cup and the next AFCON, where the Black Stars will be eager to prove themselves once again.
In conclusion, Ghana’s drop to 70th in the world and 14th in Africa is a reflection of recent struggles but also a challenge to reignite the Black Stars’ former glory. With strategic improvements and nurturing of emerging talents, Ghana has the potential to climb back up the rankings and compete with Africa’s best.
